Networking Engineer- Lafayette, LA

Networking Engineer 
Global Data Systems (GDS) is seeking professional Network Engineers. This role is tasked with providing advanced level technical support services to external and internal clients across various locations within assigned areas. The goal is not only to service technical issues, but also to deliver effective and efficient resolution to problems and to ensure that the client understands the resolution. This individual will have experience in multiple areas, but none more pressing than communicating in a professional manner with our internal and external clients on a regular basis. This person will be expected to represent the group in a professional manner and deliver customer satisfaction with a positive, pleasant and professional demeanor and partner vendors to diagnose problems and attain resolution within designated Service Level Agreements
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
• Successfully communicate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Provide quality customer service to internal and external customers including thorough and appropriate communication with customer designees.
• Manage assigned tickets, activities, and projects and ensure all activity and time is properly and thoroughly documented.
• Ensure the resolution of customer issues in accordance with SLA obligations.
• Ensure assigned tickets are documented thoroughly and accurately. 
• Ensure that required communication with customers regarding outages, updates, status changes, etc. are performed appropriately and in a timely manner in accordance with SLA obligations.
• Participate in meetings for departmental, process, and project planning as required.
• Provide reports for internal and external use as directed.
• Create and maintain network documentation as needed. 
• Create and maintain support SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) as needed.
• This role requires availability for after-hours on-call support, to include nights and weekends remotely and/or onsite at GDS office(s)

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
Required Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills:
• CCNP level certification in one or more specializations to include Enterprise routing / switching, Security , and Data Center or equivalent field experience
• Minimum of 10+ years of experience in configuration and support of a Cisco networking environment
• Practical experience with configuration and support of Networking: Switches, Routers, Servers, LAN/WAN, TCP/IP, UDP, VoIP, QoS. 
• Practical experience with configuration and support of advanced routing protocols to include: but not limited to BGP, EIGRP, and OSPF. 
• Practical experience with configuration and support of SDWAN.
• Practical experience with configuration and support of network security to include Cisco ASA, FTD / FMC, SFR, ISE, Umbrella, ESA, and Cisco Endpoint Security (formerly AMP). 
• Practical experience with server and application configuration and support
• Practical experience with application support to include but not limited to the full Microsoft suite. 
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills for problem-solving and root cause analysis needs
• Well-developed facilitation skills to achieve results among various internal employees and external business partners.
• Excellent organization, communication and written skills.
• Demonstrated ability to apply critical thinking to solve problems.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to adapt to the changing needs of the agency.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain professionalism under pressure

Additional Benefits: Along with getting to work for a great team, GDS also offers the following benefits

• Competitive Compensation
• Health Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• 401K 
• Competitive Compensation
• Other Related Benefits
• Possible

**All qualified applicants will receive considerations for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.